Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard was born at the Toutant-Beauregard plantation in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Born into a prominent Louisiana Creole family, his upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of honor, tradition, and a deep connection to his native state. This Creole heritage would influence his worldview and his later decision to side with the Confederacy.

Beauregard was sent to a French school in New York City in 1834. He learned to speak English during his studies and he excelled at mathematics, setting the stage for his future career in engineering and the military.

Beauregard entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he excelled in engineering and artillery tactics. He graduated second in his class in 1838, demonstrating his intellectual capabilities and laying the foundation for a distinguished career in the U.S. Army. His time at West Point exposed him to a national perspective, one that would later clash with his deeply rooted Southern loyalties.

Beauregard served with distinction in the Mexican-American War, earning brevet promotions to captain and major for his bravery and engineering skills. He was wounded twice during the conflict. His experiences in Mexico provided him with invaluable battlefield experience and further solidified his reputation as a capable officer.

In January 1861, Beauregard was appointed Superintendent of West Point, a prestigious position that spoke to his military talents and respect within the U.S. Army. However, his tenure was incredibly short-lived. Only 5 days later, he was removed from the position due to growing concerns about his Southern sympathies amidst the escalating secession crisis.

Beauregard, now a Confederate Brigadier General, commanded the Confederate forces that bombarded Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. This action, ordered by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, marked the beginning of the American Civil War. Beauregard's role in this pivotal event instantly made him a hero in the South and a villain in the North.

Beauregard served as co-commander with General Joseph E. Johnston at the First Battle of Bull Run, a decisive Confederate victory. This battle solidified Confederate confidence and demonstrated the war's potential for prolonged conflict. While Johnston received much of the credit, Beauregard's planning and organizational skills were crucial to the Confederate success.

Following the Battle of Shiloh where he served as second in command under Albert Sidney Johnston, Beauregard assumed command of the Confederate Army of Mississippi. He was criticized for evacuating Corinth, Mississippi, without a major battle, a move that drew criticism and led to his temporary removal from command. This episode marked the beginning of a strained relationship with Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

Beauregard played a key role in the prolonged defense of Charleston, South Carolina, against Union forces. Later, he commanded Confederate forces defending Petersburg, Virginia, during the Siege of Petersburg. Despite his strategic efforts, he was unable to prevent the eventual fall of both cities, contributing to the Confederacy's ultimate defeat.

Beauregard surrendered along with General Joseph E. Johnston's army in North Carolina in April 1865, effectively ending his military career. After the war, he became a railroad executive, served as adjutant general of Louisiana, and participated in various business ventures. He worked to reconcile the South with the Union while simultaneously preserving the memory of the Confederacy. Beauregard worked for the New Orleans, Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad and was involved in a number of other railroad companies.

P. G. T. Beauregard died in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the age of 74. He was a controversial figure throughout his life, but remained a symbol of Southern pride and military skill. His legacy is complex and continues to be debated, reflecting the enduring divisions of the Civil War era.